Statement I: India’s first wolf sanctuary is located at Bankapur in Karnataka.
Statement II: The Indian grey wolf is officially classified as an “Endangered” species on the IUCN Red List.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation:
- Statement I (Incorrect): India’s first dedicated wolf sanctuary is the Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary in Jharkhand (established in 1976). Bankapur (in Koppal, Karnataka) was declared a sanctuary much later.
- Statement II (Incorrect): While it is under Schedule I of India’s WPA, the IUCN formally assessed the Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) as Vulnerable (not Endangered) in late 2025.
📚 Updated Notes: Wolf Conservation
1. Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary (Jharkhand)
- Status: India’s first sanctuary for wolves.
- Location: Latehar District, Jharkhand (Est. 1976).
2. Indian Grey Wolf Status (as of 2026)
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (Updated 2025). Previously, it was not assessed separately from the global Grey Wolf.
- WPA 1972: Schedule I.
- Population: Approximately 3,000 individuals left in the wild.